Rita Moreno Defends Lin Manuel Miranda Over "In the Heights" Colorism Issue
Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno claps back on the critics of Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2021 adaptation of the Broadway musical, "In the Heights," after the film was caught in the colorism issue regarding its casts. Moreno said that she was upset about the controversy that surrounded the film.
The Puerto Rican actress' comments happened during her interview with "The Late Night Show" hosted by Stephen Colbert, according to a report from CBS News.
Puerto Rican Actress Rita Moreno Claps Back on the Critics of Lin Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights"
Entertainment Weekly reported that Moreno's comment came as she was promoting her new documentary entitled "Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided to Go For It" which was also produced by the Puerto Rican star. But as soon as she sat down on the couch with Colbert, it seems like the controversy about Lin Manuel Miranda's movie was bugging her.
"Can we talk for a second about the criticism about Lin-Manuel? That really upsets me. You can never do right it seems," said Rita Moreno expressing her anguish over the criticism Miranda is facing.
Moreno also praised Miranda for what he did in the film arguing that he brought the Latino and Puerto Rican culture into the U.S.
"This is the man [Miranda] who literally has brought Latino-ness and Puerto Rican-ness to America," said Moreno, adding that she couldn't do what Miranda did.
Moreno also vocally said that she was proud of Lin-Manuel Miranda who also co-produced her new documentary.
Apart from defending Miranda against the critics of "In the Heights," Rita Moreno also commented on the lack of Afro-Latinx casts in the movie that was the root of the controversy.
"We are all colors in Puerto Rico and that is how it is," said Moreno, pointing out that a lot of people in Puerto Rico and Guatemala are dark and fair. The Puerto Rican actress highlighted that it would have been better if the colorism issue did not surface and "left it alone just for now."
Lin Manuel Miranda Says Sorry Over "In the Heights" Colorism Controversy
Rita Moreno's defense came in the wake of "In the Heights" fans retaliating over the lack of Afro-Latinx representation in the film. It can be remembered that director Jon M. Chu and some of the film's cast voiced out their thoughts on the issue.
On Monday, the creator, composer, and original star of "In the Heights," Lin-Manuel Miranda also addressed and apologized after the controversy his film garnered.
"I'm truly sorry. I'm learning from the feedback, I thank you for raising it, and I'm listening," said Miranda, emphasizing that he saw discussions around Afro-Latinx representation in their film, making it clear that many in the community did not feel well-represented, especially on the leading roles.
Despite the criticism "in the Heights" sustained, Lin-Manuel Miranda still thanked his critics for their "honest feedback."
"I'm dedicated to the learning and evolving we all have to do to make sure we are honoring our diverse and vibrant community," said the "In the Heights" composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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WATCH: Rita Moreno Defends Her Friend Lin Manuel Miranda Over "In The Heights" Controversy - from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert